RESIDENTS in Claremont are celebrating after winning a David and Goliath battle with supermarket giants Tesco.

They had feared that Tesco were set to take over an empty shop on Cholmondley Road, with a late licence to sell alcohol and the anti-social problems that would bring.

But after Tesco pulled out new owners Georgia Cotton and partner John Coogan have listened to residents’ concerns and promised not to sell alcohol or cigarettes.

Georgia, 46, and John, 41, who live in nearby Burdale Road, Claremont, are busy doing up the former Global Video shop on Cholmondley Road and it will open as Chomlea Stores next Tuesday, August 4.

Georgia said: "We knew that residents were really worried about plans raised by Tesco last year to turn the former video store into a one stop shop, selling alcohol and cigarette.

"And we shared their fears that it would attract a lot of rowdy behaviour in a quiet residential area.

"But we also knew we needed a convenience store around here. There is nothing between the shops on Hope Parade and the Coop on Irlams o’th’ Height.

"Everybody we’ve spoken to is delighted that they are getting their own convenience store and I hope they really support us by making it a success."

Georgia has had 27 years in retail management, first with B and Q and currently with Debenhams in Manchester as a security manager.

She will continue with her present job while helping partner John Coogan at the shop at weekends.

They plan to open the shop from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm on Saturdays, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Tesco’s plans to turn the former video shop into a one stop shop with a late alcohol licence last year drew widespread criticism from residents, who feared it would encourage teenage gangs to hang around outside.

More than 30 representations from local residents and other interested parties were received by Salford City Council’s licensing panel in January 2008.

The meeting was also attended by representatives from Greater Manchester Police, who objected to the licence on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder in the area.

All those campaigning were delighted when the panel refused the licence and Tesco abandoned their plans.

The Cholmondley Road shop was one of a string of plans to open Tesco stores or one stop shops across the city.

Traders in Langworthy also celebrated last year when similar plans to open a one stop shop in Langworthy Road were turned down.

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